light bulb upgrade

[RobDon]

That's fine, clearly states that converting halogen to HID is illegal, thanks for that.

"In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs." Clear enough to me.

 

[RobM]

Anyway, as you can see by reading the above, it's a grey area. The DFT have specifically said 'we are not banning their use' but at the same time have not said 'they are totally legal' so it's down to you to make sure you follow their requirements.

Off to the pub now, so will pick up replies later....

 

[RobM]

That's fine, clearly states that converting halogen to HID is illegal, thanks for that.

"In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs." Clear enough to me.

Talk about picking the bits that suit you...

However we feel that saying "HID is banned in the after market" would not be reasonable. Instead we should make analogies with new vehicles. It would be reasonable to require HID in the after market to meet the same safety standards as on new vehicles. The same level of safety should apply.

 

[NickP]

Was this what your looking for?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Philips-X-Tre...tcZphotoQQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
_____________________

2005 FR+ in Black Magic

Top Man, bought them straight away!!

 

[RobDon]

Talk about picking the bits that suit you...

I only quoted the end summary, no spin on any of the facts - as already said word it any way you like, it's illegal to convert a halogen headlamp to HID, and fitting something illegal to your car will void your insurance policy.

I'm all for better lighting and being safer at night, but within the law.

Anyway back onto bulbs, as far as replacement halogens go, the X-tremes are well worth a try, far better than anything I've tried before (PIAA, visionplus, silverstars, etc.), that's why they are sold out everywhere, because they are so good!

 

[tedvagas]

how many cars have xenons on as standard do you think the old bill are going to sit on street corners with a list of cars that dont have them and pull you ? i dont think so, uprated halogen bulbs are **** and look chav ok on saxos not on a leon cupra r.

 

[NickP]

Don't Xenons by law have to have high pressure washers fitted to them too?

Both of my TT's, S3 and 172 which had Xenons all had them...

 

[RobDon]

Uprated halogens look chav on a Leon??? Maybe the blue tinted ones yes, I agree - but not bulbs such as Silverstars, Visionplus and the X-treme, they have no blue in them at all.

Who knows what the Police do these days - anything apart from catch real criminals!

Yes - by law Xenons must have self-levelling and high pressure washers.

 

[RobM]

Don't Xenons by law have to have high pressure washers fitted to them too?

Both of my TT's, S3 and 172 which had Xenons all had them...

Yes - by law Xenons must have self-levelling and high pressure washers.

This is not specific to HID/Xenons. Any light emitting more than 2000 Lumens must have washers fitted. It doesn't matter if they are Halogen, HID, candles or 2000 pixies with torches, if the light output hits a certain limit, they need washers.

And the law doesn't require self-leveling headlights either, it requires a Headlamp Levelling Device. That means, as is stated clearly in the law, cars with automatic adjusting suspension or cars with a manual levelling dial in the cabin are legal.

Read: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1989/Uksi_19891796_en_2.htm and scroll down to find:

"Headlamp levelling device"

Either-

(a) an automatic headlamp levelling device by means of which the downward inclination of any dipped-beam headlamp is automatically maintained regardless of the load on the vehicle, or


(b) a manual headlamp levelling device by means of which the downward inclination of any dipped-beam headlamp may be adjusted by a manual control operable from the driving seat of the vehicle.

I hope this helps.

 

[RobDon]

According to the earlier article you quoted, they do, self-levelling is not manual adjustment:

"Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling"


Yes your quote states that they have not 'banned' aftermarket HID's, but they must be fitted in accordance to the rules to be legal:

Therefore a HID headlamp unit sold in the after market should:

1. be type approved to ECE Regulation 98 as a component.

2. when fitted to the vehicle should enable ECE Regulation 48 to be complied with (although no government inspection will take place).

3. Comply with RVLR as far as "use" is concerned.
In practice this means:

1. The headlamp unit (outer lens, reflector, bulb) shall be type approved to ECE 98 and be "e-marked" to demonstrate this. That can only be done by the headlamp supplier - Hella, Valeo etc. who must test the headlamp in an independent laboratory.

2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension - some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.

3. The headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean, and aligned/adjusted correctly like any other headlamp.

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to supply, fit or use vehicle parts which are not legal.

In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules stated above.


If they are not fitted as above then they are illegal, I've made my point, I won't say any more.

 

[STPCG]

Top Man, bought them straight away!!

Nick, let me know your results that may give me some ammo for the long haired general.

Cheers Steve

______________

2005 FR+ in Black Magic

 

[NickP]

Nick, let me know your results that may give me some ammo for the long haired general.

Cheers Steve

______________

2005 FR+ in Black Magic

Will do

 

[joonspoon]

I can't help thinking that this thread has split.
The legal side of HID's is one bit and bulb upgrades is the other!

HID's.
From a legal point of view, fitting after market HID kits is a grey area.
Leave it there and let a solicitor argue the case in a court somewhere.
If you do fit HID's go to your local MOT station and have the alignment checked.
Costs about a fiver.
How easy is that?

Bulb upgrades
Phillips produce these.
http://www.directcarparts.co.uk/buy-car-accessories/bphilips-xtreme-powerb-bulbs-pair-p-13431.html
You might want to look here for an alternative (ignore the bulb type ie H1/H4/H7 etc).
Halfords got a pretty good rating. I bought from Halfords, cost me £14.99 buy one get one free.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/products/203966/bulb_test_h4_plus_50_per_cent.html

Hope this helps.
Guy.

 

[skullmunki]

Halfords got a pretty good rating. I bought from Halfords, cost me £14.99 buy one get one free.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/products/203966/bulb_test_h4_plus_50_per_cent.html

Hope this helps.
Guy.

Just fitted some of these, seem to do a great job, although I havent been out for a decent enough drive yet! You'll need the H7 for your dipped beam...£19.99, but its BOGOF!

 

[joonspoon]

Just fitted some of these, seem to do a great job, although I havent been out for a decent enough drive yet! You'll need the H7 for your dipped beam...£19.99, but its BOGOF!

I drive an Ibiza with HID's on dipped beam. I bought a pair because dipped was brighter than high!
I had intended to fit Phillips X-treme bulbs but the supplier decided to tell me they're not available as H1.
At half the cost Halfords bulbs do the job.
Try this.
http://www.powerbulbs.co.uk/
Look at Power Plus.
Under 20 quid for 2 pairs of headlight bulbs, free extra side light bulbs and free P+P. Might be worth a look.


Guy.

 

[Danbo]

Ive also ordered some Phillips Xtremes. Will see what they are like.

 

[monkeyboy123987]

Sorry if this has been covered before but what is the opinion on the best upgrade for the normal light bulbs, H7's I have been told, anyone changed? better or worse opinions would be very welcomed. The standard bulbs don't seem to be upto it, especialy in the lanes around lincolnshire with no road lights or cats eyes!!

Thanks in advance.

2005 FR+ in Black Magic

Hi STPCGH,

i have a set of H1 & H7 Osram Silverstar bulbs brand new never fitted them as i have upgraded to a HID kit, if you want to buy them from me you can have them for £25 for the set!

let me know!
monkeyboy

 

[Cupra Ross]

If they are not fitted as above then they are illegal, I've made my point, I won't say any more.

With the best will in the world Rob, you are not a legal judge. If a judge hasn't yet ruled them as downright illegal, I fail to see how anybody else can.

I too have tried the vast majority of aftermarket halogen bulbs and so called "xenon" bulbs and I can say with 100% commitment that the very best of them (osram silverstars IMO) are nowhere near as good as HIDs.

Make sure they're clean and properly adjusted and 99% of us will get no special attention from the law.

 

[RobDon]

No I'm not, you are correct (but for all you know I could be - lol!), but the law states they are illegal unless they are fitted in accordance with the DOT guidelines, that's all I'm saying, people have a right to know this stuff before they go off buying things without knowing it's illegal, then get pulled over by plod who have nothing better to do that fine motorists for number plates, tints, lights, etc. etc. instead of arresting rapists, murderers, pedo's, etc.

Not having a go at anyone for doing it, just making people aware, not a bad thing is it?

 

[RobM]

If you actually go through the requirements you'll find that most modern cars, certainly the Leon, and a good set of HID's fit them well.

The trouble is, as already mentioned, it's a really grey area at the moment and nobody has said 100% either way. The Government set out a list of requirements which is possible to meet and the DfT have done the same. Stick to their advice and guidelines and apply a bit of common sense and you'll have no trouble and will be legal.